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Old 2015.04.13, 09:29 AM   #8
zeroryouko
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Originally Posted by The Most Curious Thing View Post


In all seriousness I was hoping for at least one poor soul to agree with me. Eh, I'm alone on this one.
For me, with the demo tapes it's hard to separate the quality issues resulting from 128kbps encoding from the actual music/performance. But that said, I think it depends on which demo in particular we're talking about. I actually like the demo version of Koufukuron better than either the single or the MM version, largely because the lyrics are different (not that I can understand them all that well, but the meter is more interesting). New Way to Fly, I would argue, is also better than the MM version of Marunouchi Sadistic, but she has since far exceeded both of those in her live performances.

At risk of digressing, this reminds me of one of my favorite of Ringo's career episodes. Listen to the demo recording of Onaji Yoru. The tinny sound of the consumer-grade recording equipment - perhaps a karaoke machine? The instrumentation - beautifully composed, but cheaply synthesized. And of course, Ringo herself, singing her heart out but so very young. A high-school girl, maybe 16 or 17 years old, with so much raw talent and ambition.

Now skip ahead 5 or so years to the Gekokujou Xstasy concert, to the last song from the encore medley. It's Onaji Yoru again. This time she is performing for an audience of thousands. Professional sound engineers and cameramen are recording her. A full band, with string section, is backing her up. And Ringo herself, now much more mature, in full costume and make-up, with a more finely-honed, powerful, yet subtle voice, is front and center, putting every ounce of herself into the performance.

And as you listen, think back to the demo tape, and realize - it was all there. The orchestration, the presence, and the emotion were all evident, even in that old recording. Even as a schoolgirl, she envisioned this moment. The demo tape was just an imperfect reflection of her vision. And she was able to make it real.
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